Shopping for Gitzo...confused - help?

[BradS]

I'm looking for a CF Gitzo kit suitable for carrying far into the field. The camera I have in mind is a moderately light weight (about 3Kg) 4x5/5x7 camera. Here are some wishes/requirements:

• Weight is a major concern.
• I really like the self leveling column thingy too.
• I don't need it to be very tall.
• I'd really like the folded length to be less than about 22 inches.

What do you suggest? Old or new - the model numbers seem to have changed somewhere in the recent past.




(cross post warning: I also asked a similar question on apug but didn't really get any response...I apologize in advance for the schizophrenia that this causes).

[Joanna Carter]

I chose the GT-2530LVL and have never regretted it; just right for the job

[Keith Pitman]

For my lightweight tripod for long carries and traveling, I have a Benro C-227n6. With the RRS BH-40 head it weighs 4 lb. 4 oz. I worked out a way to remove the column, which I don't use and which saved a little weight. It works well for a 4x5 in the circumstances I described, although I prefer a slightly heavier tripod generally. The Benro is a Chinese Gitzo clone and is well made. They also sell for a good deal less than Gitzos.

[wfwhitaker]

I think you should cross post this on photo.net for full effect.

I've always found the Gitzo product line and nomenclature confusing. That may be why I've never pursued getting one until very recently when I bought a used 1228 MkII from a forum member. It's deceptively small (I'm a reformed Ries user, don't forget), but seems quite adequate for my 6 1/2 x 8 1/2.

[Brian Ellis]

Why a Gitzo? I'd suggest looking at the Feisol line and see if one will fit your needs for a half or so of the cost of a comparable Gitzo. I have a Gitzo 1325 and a Feisol. The Gitzo stays home most of the time, I take the Feisol almost everywhere. The 1325 was a nice tripod for about $500 in its day, the Feisol is at least as good for $200.

[BradS]

I think you should cross post this on photo.net for full effect.

I've always found the Gitzo product line and nomenclature confusing. That may be why I've never pursued getting one until very recently when I bought a used 1228 MkII from a forum member. It's deceptively small (I'm a reformed Ries user, don't forget), but seems quite adequate for my 6 1/2 x 8 1/2.

Hi Will,

Their web site is such a pain...I wish they had one page with a chart that compared the specs of all the legs in a given series at least.

Does the 1228 MkII have that self leveling center column semi-ball thingy? or, do you know if it can it be added by chance? I've seen a few of these in the classifieds...apparently none currently available.

[BradS]

I chose the GT-2530LVL and have never regretted it; just right for the job

Hmmm, now that one looks very promising. Thanks for the suggestion.

[wfwhitaker]

Does the 1228 MkII have that self leveling center column semi-ball thingy? or, do you know if it can it be added by chance?

No, it doesn't. Acratech makes some leveling heads, though, which look attractive.

[gary mulder]

I use a G1257LVL with my linhof tech. Even on windy days it is adequate. Most of the time I place the camera without any "head" on it and the leveling thingy has more than sufficient movement. I had to make the column rotating.

[Tony Flora]

I second the GT-2530LVL, I have the 2530 and it is one one of the best purchases I have made. Super light weight, amazing fit and finish, and very sturdy. I haven't thought about another tripod since I bought it and I am a recovering gear junky.